WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Our sector has a strong history of developing young people who love working with plants and building their skills and knowledge. We are working with our members, industry partners, tertiary providers and the Government to reignite the training programmes and qualifications that have been so important to our sector.
Lincoln Memorandum of Understanding
In July 2022, NZPPI was delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Lincoln University to establish a national Centre of Excellence for plant production. This Centre, based at Lincoln, will provide extension, research and capacity-building programmes for our industry, from breeding and germplasm through to the production and marketing of plants and plant products. The overall aim is to drive productivity and resilience in our industry through:
- accelerating the adoption of innovations
- technical and extension services for NZPPI members and our partners.
- establishing new models for horticulture education, in the regions and in the workplace.
Alongside this partnership with Lincoln, sits an innovation network model for plant production. The framework will give our members access to expertise from Lincoln and through its international networks. This is a step change for our industry. It will put plant producers in the driving seat, making science and education relevant and accessible, as well as cheaper and faster. Through our relationship with Lincoln, NZPPI can bring together the resources and know-how needed to establish the Centre of Excellence plus regional and local centres where extension and education activities can be delivered.
The Young Plant Producer competition (formerly called Young Achiever) recognises the best young people in our sector and enables them to take the next step in their personal and career development.
The two-day event pushes entrants to learn valuable new skills, gives them exceptional networking opportunities with industry leaders, and a boost to their careers. Each year our Young Plant Producer joins the winners of other horticulture industry competitions in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year.
Check out the Young Plant Producer website for more information and how and when to enter.
In July 2022, we announced the establishment of the Carol Fraser Industry Training Award (Fraser Award) in memory of Carol Fraser who founded Growing Spectrum with her husband Peter. Carol, who played an extremely active role in industry training and the professional development of plant producers. This award, supported by the Fraser family, will continue Carol’s educational legacy through its support of those outstanding individuals who have a passion for plants, for training and education, and for our industry. The inaugural award was presented at the Conference 2022 awards dinner by Carol’s son Michael to Rural Design nursery manager, Dani McBride, our 2021 Young Achiever.
Careers & Education
With about 4000 people employed in our sector and many unfilled jobs, there are plenty of opportunities for people to join our industry and pursue an exciting and rewarding career.
We work with other primary organisations to identify the best structure for a Primary Workforce Development Council to represent our sector.
This work includes:
- Developing our industry qualifications to ensure that they are relevant
- Promoting free apprenticeships
- Establishing a way for people to find jobs in our sector
Workplace Training
The $1.6 Billion Trades and Apprenticeships Training Package announced by the Government will provide free training in our sector for a two year period, starting 1 June 2020.
This is a prime opportunity for anyone working in your business to take the step upskilling. There are many new training opportunities for workers that are starting out, or already in management positions.
To find out more, visit the Plant Careers Website
Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
Equipping today’s leaders for tomorrow’s challenges.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme has been specifically designed for the food and fibre sector.
The programme develops food and fibre sector leaders with the skills, confidence, awareness, and networks to think and act strategically.
It is for farmers, foresters, fishers, growers, and agri-professionals who have a desire to contribute to their rural community, food and fibre production, processing, or profession.
To apply, or for more information, visit the website now
For any queries contact Lisa Rogers +64 21 139 6881 or email kellogg@ruralleaders.co.nz
LATEST
HortPartners website, discussion paper, workshop and survey launched
The new HortPartners website is now live and there are opportunities to have your say on plant production extension and research.
Working Holiday Schemes reopening
The 2023 reopening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes have now been confirmed by Immigration New Zealand.
New Approach to Food and Fibre Qualifications
Muka Tangata seeks your feedback on proposed food and fibre qualification system
Inaugural Fraser Award presented
Our conference awards dinner kicked off with the presentation of the inaugural Carol Fraser Industry Training Award aka the Fraser Award to our 2021 Young Achiever Dani McBride.
Conference workshop 2: Leadership transformation
Experienced primary industry leadership coach, Sue Pickering, brought her deep knowledge and inspiration to this workshop to help attendees understand that sticking to a traditional leadership style doesn’t work anymore.
Zealandia Horticulture embracing Secondary School Employer Partnership (SSEP)
Zealandia Horticulture is working with Christchurch students to promote plant production.
TEC research into school leaver decision-making provides industry opportunity
TEC has put out a foundation piece of research that presents a deeper understanding of how school leavers decide their next steps. We need to ensure we make use of the findings to increase our workforce.
Immigration update: new websites and employer webinar
Immigration New Zealand has relaunched its website to attract migrants plus has a webinar this Friday on Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) job check requirements
Our Young Achievers are competing this week! 25 July
Our Young Achievers are getting ready to fly to Christchurch for Challenge Day. Read the general media release
NZPPI opens an office on Lincoln campus
We are delighted to announce that our People Capability Advisor Alice Schofield is now based at Lincoln campus, forging a closer relationship with the institute and providing us with a South Island presence.
Muka Tangata Hui
Muka Tanagata, the Workforce Development Council for People, Food, and Fibre, has heard insights on the needs of the plant production sector. NZPPI People Capability Advisor Alice Schofield recently attended a hui hosted by Muka Tanagata as part of its discovery of ways to enhance vocational education.
Young Achiever of the Year competition is back and bigger than ever before
Is one of your team members the plant production industry’s next Young Achiever? Give your emerging leaders the chance to represent the plant production industry in the 2022 Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition and boost their growing career.
Congratulations to Dani McBride!
NZPPI 2021 Young Achiever, Dani McBride, was a major achiever at the 2021 Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition yesterday where she came 2nd overall and presented with a suite of awards.
COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment
We understand that wages during this time can be a confusing space. The government has set up different schemes for differing circumstances for every business.
Students Lining up for Horticulture
Last month Matt Dolan had the privilege to present at the Horticulture Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA) Conference in Motueka, where he learned that after decades of declining student numbers, horticulture classes are again filling up.
Do you know any Young Achievers?
Entries close on Sunday 2 May for the Young Achiever of the Year 2021. Do you know any Young Achievers you can encourage to take the next step in their career?
Business Central's Payroll Bootcamp Available to all NZPPI Members
Business Central has put together a Payroll Bootcamp, starting 11th May 2021, updating you on changes to payroll legislation. All NZPPI members can take advantage of their member discount price, courtesy of our affiliation with the EMA.
Skilled Newcomers program connecting you with skilled talent
Business Central has an awesome initiative, creating ease for employers when looking for the right candidates for their company.
2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards opens for entries
Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards. The awards celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.
Skills Shortages
The closure of NZ’s borders due to Covid-19 means that there will be lack of overseas workers – especially in high skill areas, like propagation.